Mehrangarh Fort Taller than Qutab Minar – Queen became ‘Sati’ on pyre of King

Mehrangarh Fort Taller than Qutab Minar – Queen became ‘Sati’ on pyre of King

Standing proudly on a 120 meter hill, Mehrangarh Fort happens to be taller than Delhi’s Qutab Minar having a height of 73 meters. An aesthetic aspect of this fort is a spectacularly built temple of Sati Mata. It has been constructed to honor the wife of Maharaja Maan Singh, who burnt herself on his pyre denoting true devotion to the husband.

Fort wall spreads in 10 km
Majestic in its appeal, the fort’s wall area sprawls in an area of 10km with difficult ways guiding tourists to the main premises of the fort. Its walls are 20 to 120 feet high, and 12 to 70 feet broad. Seven reserved citadels are dotted in complex. The four gates of the castle are interconnected with elaborate pathways. The magnificence of palace with carved doors and latticed windows is breathtaking.

This fort is older than 500 years
The foundation of fortress was laid by Maharaja Rao Jodha on 12th May 1459 and the construction was finished by Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Famous for its interiors and art work, the noteworthy palaces are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khaana and Treasure Room. Each building is reflective of rich Rajasthani essence and holds prime for high reputation of Rajputs. In fact, the travelers can take a look at the royal artifacts at the museum located within the fort premises.

Mehrangarh Fort

Goddess protected fort in 1965 battle
The erstwhile ruler of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha has unfathomable reverence for Goddess Chamunda who happens to be his kuldevi and founded a temple of deity near fort in 1460. During 1965 Indo-Pak war Jodhpur was primary target. It was believed that by the grace of goddess no one was hurt.

Cannons mounted on the roof protected 6 km area
The monstrous cannons on the walls of fort used to protect the area within 6km of its diameter. Impressions of cannonballs hit in wars are visible on second gate.

There are stamps of self-immolation by Queens
Red vermillion solution and palm prints made of silver leaf still seen on funeral ground are remind tourists of Princesses and Queens who burnt herself or ‘jauhar’ for their husband.

Excellent Craftsmanship
Attractive creation of sandstone, the fort is an example of excellent craftsmanship by Jodhpur’s artisans. Undoubtedly, the beauty of the fort lies in intricate gold work on ceiling of Phool Mahal; while, the throne ‘Srinagar Chackie’ has been designed with much enthusiasm. Rang Mahal and Chandra Mahal are also there to add more enthusiasm.

Hollywood films are shot here
Mehrangarh Fort became a great destination for filming many successful Hollywood and Bollywood movies. Recently, some scenes like imprisoning Bruce Wayne and jail attack, in successful English movie ‘Dark Night’ were shot here.

The Mehrangarh fort speaks stories of devotion of the wives towards their husband, who forced them into fire on their husband’s death, the famed infamous tradition of ‘sati’. Many of them sat on the pyre of their husbands; while, some jumped in the fire to protect their chastity from enemy rulers fighting them. The beauty of Rajasthan and its rich architecture is ensemble in Mehrangarh Fort with much artistry.